Bosnia & Herzegovina U20 38:33 Turkey U20 
Iceland U20 35:23 Israel U20 
Norway U20 37:32 Faroe Islands U20 
Austria U20 28:36 Portugal U20 
Croatia U20 29:31 Romania U20 
France U20 34:30 Switzerland U20 
Greece U20 26:27 Czech Republic U20 
Sweden U20 38:35 Denmark U20 
Serbia U20 37:40 Latvia U20 
Slovenia U20 24:31 Hungary U20 
Spain U20 36:42 Germany U20 
Former England star Wayne Rooney believes the Football Association should keep Thomas Tuchel as the national team’s head coach. He feels Tuchel has done a good job and deserves to lead England into the 2026 World Cup.
But Rooney says there is one exception: if legendary manager Pep Guardiola becomes available, then the FA should consider making a move. Otherwise, sticking with Tuchel is the smart choice.
Why Tuchel Deserves to Stay
Rooney points out that Tuchel has a strong track record with big clubs and knows how to handle top players. He thinks changing coaches too often hurts the team’s rhythm.
- Tuchel won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021.
- He has experience managing star players and high-pressure games.
- England already has a good squad; Tuchel just needs time to build his system.
The Guardiola Factor
Rooney says Pep Guardiola is the only manager who could make him change his mind. Guardiola is widely seen as one of the best coaches in the world, with many titles at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City.
However, Guardiola is currently under contract with Manchester City and hasn’t shown any interest in leaving. Rooney admits that waiting for him might not be realistic, so the FA should focus on supporting Tuchel.
What This Means for the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. England wants to go far and maybe even win it. Rooney believes that stability in coaching is key to success in big tournaments.
He warns that firing Tuchel now could disrupt the team’s preparation and hurt their chances. Unless a world-class option like Guardiola becomes available, the best move is to stay the course with Tuchel.
Staying the Course with Tuchel
Rooney’s message is clear: don’t make a change just for the sake of it. Thomas Tuchel has the skills and experience to lead England. The FA should back him unless a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity like Pep Guardiola comes along.
For now, England fans can expect Tuchel to continue building the team toward the 2026 World Cup, with Rooney’s support behind him.